Mississippi State takes major leap in recruiting rankings after flipping elite in-state prospect

The 2026 recruiting cycle had been a rather quiet one for Jeff Lebby and the Mississippi State staff — until Monday.

With National Signing Day less than 48 hours away, the Bulldogs have pulled off one of the biggest flips of the entire cycle. Brandon (Miss.) Hartfield Academy four-star safety Bralan Womack, the No. 35 overall prospect in the nation, has flipped from Auburn to Mississippi State.

The in-state standout immediately becomes the top-ranked commit in the Bulldogs’ 2026 class. He also vaults the SEC program up 17 spots in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings from No. 47 to No. 30.

Womack was back in Starkville over the weekend to watch the Egg Bowl. Mississippi State began to draw some buzz down the stretch amidst uncertainty with Auburn and the star defensive back is now staying home.

Should he sign on Wednesday — the first day of the Early Signing Period — he’ll be the highest-rated Bulldogs signee since five-star offensive tackle Charles Cross in 2019.

Across his four seasons at the varsity level, Womack has totaled 116 tackles and 16 interceptions, including eight picks last season as a junior.

This story will be updated.